Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center Donates 12-Lead EKG to New Lenox Fire Protection District

(JULY 16, 2013) – Today, Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center of Joliet donated a 12-Lead Electrocardiogram (EKG) to the New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD).

This technology allows a heart attack patient to virtually be seen by an emergency room doctor at your door, cutting 10 to 30 minutes from treatment time. When transporting a patient, paramedics contact hospitals to advise them of the signs, symptoms, and pre-hospital observations of the patient. The 12-Lead EKG can send a copy directly to the doctors at the hospital who will be able to identify the cardiac life threats, saving minutes and more lives.

According to NLFPD Trustee President Skip Minger, “12-Lead EKG’s can cost up to $30,000. We cannot thank Saint Joseph’s Medical Center enough for their continued support of our department.”

Previous to this technology only three different views of the heart was available.  Now fifteen different directions can be looked at.  Many times in the three lead views a major problem could not be observed until arrival at the hospital with a 12-Lead EKG exam.

“A few years back, we donated a 12-Lead EKG for use on one of NLFPD’s rigs; and why today we are proudly donating another state-of-the-art cardiac monitor to ensure they have the most advanced technology available,” stated Beth Hughes, President and CEO of Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. “Through the Bluetooth capabilities in this new monitor, a cardiac patient en route to the hospital can have their EKG transmitted directly to our Emergency Department, Cath Lab, and even to the physician’s hand-held computer device.”

“We are very grateful to Presence Saint Joseph for providing this generous gift and helping us provide the highest quality care to the residents of New Lenox,” said NLFPD Chief Jon Mead.

Prior to today, the NLFPD had twelve 12-Lead EKG’s. They can be found in all of the department’s emergency vehicles. The newest device will be placed in the ladder truck purchased earlier this year. 

Every year about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 525,000 are a first heart attack and 190,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack. Through the use of technology, such as the 12-Lead EKG, the number of deaths due to heart attack will continue to decline.

“Losing time can mean loss of heart muscle or, in the case of a stroke, loss of brain function. This equipment will aid NLFPD’s paramedics in providing the patient with the best care possible prior to their arrival at the hospital,” Hughes said. “And as soon as your ambulance pulls up to the door, the Emergency Department team and physicians are assembled and ready to immediately begin treatment.”

The primary mission of the New Lenox Fire and Ambulance Protection District is to provide a range of programs designed to protect the lives and property within New Lenox Village and Township from the effects for fires and sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by man or nature with professional, compassionate, and quality service.